Simple question about a freelance job

[BillO]

Hello,

I am a small weekly newspaper editor by trade, which means I write, edit and take photos. However, I recently received a phone call asking for a freelance photog wanting one single shot.

Upon further delving, I found out that the photo will be used on the front of a 2-3,000 run coffee table type book from a small press company. And they might use the pic for the inside shot as well.

Realizing on my part that the photo will take all of about a half hour of my time - What is reasonable to charge for using it as a cover shot? And then also for use as an inside shot?

They want to know prices for each.

Thanks for the input.

[tonycortes]

Charge them your time for the photo, post processing, than an appropriate amount for each print they plan to make ( you need to figure this out by considering the price of the book ) think about this: would they accept paying you $1 for each book, if the book is only selling for $6? Find more details about the book (the price tag, their audience, their goal)

[ssim]

Essentially they are after a stock image from you. Cost varies by sizing, position in publication and print run. I would suggest you browse through some of the attached links to get an indication. Some of these sites apply to the UK but the publishing industry is global and you shouldn't be too far off after calculating to USD.

http://media.gn.apc.org/feesguide/photo.html
http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/cdb/
http://www.asmp.org/commerce/digitalps_6.php

[chtgrubbs]

Here's one estimate of value:
Type of Use:: Editorial
Specific Use:: Books - Consumer / Trade
Press Run:: 10,000 or less
Size:: Cover (Front)
Low Price:: $650.00
Average Price:: $1,075.00
High Price:: $1,500.00
Survey ::799
This is from the Photographer's Index stock photo price calculator.Since this is a small press run from a small company a price toward the low end would be appropriate.

[DaveG]

Hello,

I am a small weekly newspaper editor by trade, which means I write, edit and take photos. However, I recently received a phone call asking for a freelance photog wanting one single shot.

Upon further delving, I found out that the photo will be used on the front of a 2-3,000 run coffee table type book from a small press company. And they might use the pic for the inside shot as well.

Realizing on my part that the photo will take all of about a half hour of my time - What is reasonable to charge for using it as a cover shot? And then also for use as an inside shot?

They want to know prices for each.

Thanks for the input.

A trick to get by this is to ask them "What kind of budget do you have for this?" They have an idea about how much they'll pay. If they say $350 then decide if you want to raise it a bit (since they might low ball you). If they suggest $350 then you have to know that $1500 will be treated like a joke! On the other hand if you'd take $200 for the shot, then by all means give them an opportunity to offer you more!

$1500 might be "What it's worth" but they'll say, "Thank you.", and will keep looking. They WILL find someone who will do it cheaper and better - like me. Try to remember that YOU won't buy that TV for $4000 inspite of it being a fair market value. You will just keep looking, and so will they.

[vwpilot]

According to FotoQuote, for the cover of a book with up to 10,000 is between $630 on the low end to $1260 on the high end. For internal photos if the book is mainly photos, then its about $125=$250.

Seeing as how its such a small run, I would talk to them more and use the suggestion of trying to find out what they think their budget is. I would consider something on the low end to slightly lower to be fair for what it sounds like.

Just be sure that you put in the contract that it does not include any re-printing or revisions. This way if they sell great and they want to print up another 5000 that they cant just use it again without compensation to you.

[LBaldwin]

I pretty much agree with VW pilot

OK Gang this is NOT a stock shot. Stock shots can be resold over and over again. This is strictly editorial. The way to price this is creative fee + usage.

Even the simpilist shots are never just a half hour. Especially if it is for the cover of a book. My rate for this would be aproxx $450 creative fee + what ever usage fee we negotiate. Anything over basic PP after the fact is billable. CMYK conversions, B&W conversions are extra, the same with burn to CD / DvD. These are all basic charges you would recieve from any respectable EP photographer. Since the chances are slim that it will be a resellable image you might consider selling a long term usage instead of just a year.

Make sure that you stipulate in your CONTRACT that any reprints of the book mean that another usage fee is required. All rights buyout? 3x the creative fee to get started.

Best place to get good usable contracts is http://www.editorialphotogphers.com

BTW never tell the client that you can do it in a half hour.... even if you can. :-) my cape don't stretch so good. DOH!

good luck